The landscape of Artificial Intelligence is shifting faster than ever. In a move that has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts globally, OpenAI has recently announced a significant promotional offer for its premium subscription, ChatGPT Plus, specifically targeting users in India and the United States. Simultaneously, concrete rumors and executive teases suggest that OpenAI is finally ready to step into the physical world with its first-ever hardware product slated for a 2026 release.
Whether you are a power user looking for advanced reasoning or a tech minimalist curious about the future of AI wearables, these updates represent a major pivot for Sam Altman’s AI giant.
OpenAI Offers One-Month ChatGPT Plus Free Trial
For the first time since its inception, OpenAI is offering a one-month free trial of ChatGPT Plus. Historically, the company has stuck to a rigid monthly subscription model, but 2026 marks a more aggressive approach to user acquisition and retention.
Who is Eligible?
The offer is currently live for users in India and the US. It is available to:
- New Users: Those who have never signed up for a paid plan.
- Existing Free Users: Long-time users currently on the free tier.
- ChatGPT Go Subscribers: Interestingly, users on the lower-cost “Go” tier (launched in late 2025) can also upgrade to Plus for the trial month.
The Catch: Auto-Renewal and India’s “Go” Plan
To activate the trial, users must provide financial details (Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI in India). It is important to note that the trial is an auto-renewal mandate. If you do not cancel before the 30-day window closes, your payment method will be charged the standard monthly rate—typically ₹1,999 in India or $20 in the US.
For Indian users specifically, there is an additional caveat. Many users are currently enjoying a 12-month free promotion of ChatGPT Go. If these users upgrade to the Plus trial, they may lose the ability to revert to their free 12-month Go plan once the 30-day Plus trial ends.
Why Upgrade? ChatGPT Plus vs. Free and Go Tiers
With three distinct consumer tiers now available, understanding the value of ChatGPT Plus is essential for deciding whether to continue the subscription after the trial.
| Feature | Free Tier | ChatGPT Go ($8 / ₹399) | ChatGPT Plus ($20 / ₹1,999) |
| Model Access | GPT-5.2 (Limited) | GPT-5.2 Instant | GPT-5.2 & o3 Reasoning |
| Message Limits | ~10 per 5 hours | ~60 per 3 hours | ~160 per 3 hours |
| Creative Tools | Basic | Expanded Image Gen | Sora Video & Codex |
| Ads | Yes (Starting 2026) | Yes | Ad-Free |
Advanced Reasoning with o3 and GPT-5.2
The 2026 version of ChatGPT Plus includes the o3 model, which is specifically designed for complex “Thinking” tasks. While the free version can handle basic chat, the Plus tier allows users to toggle between Instant and Thinking modes, providing deeper reasoning for coding, mathematical proofs, and scientific research.
Sora-Powered Video Generation
Plus subscribers now get priority access to Sora, OpenAI’s text-to-video engine. This allows users to create high-fidelity video clips directly within the chat interface—a feature notably absent from the lower tiers.
OpenAI’s First Hardware: The “Sweetpea” Rumors
While software remains OpenAI’s core, the most exciting news of 2026 is the confirmed “on track” status of their first consumer hardware. Developed in collaboration with Jony Ive (former Apple design chief) and his firm LoveFrom, the device is expected to be unveiled in the second half of 2026.
What Do We Know So Far?
Executive statements at the Davos 2026 summit have confirmed that the project is a “highest priority.” Here are the leading speculations:
- Codename: Internally referred to as “Sweetpea” or “io.”
- Form Factor: Likely a screen-free wearable. Rumors point toward AI-powered earbuds or a “peaceful” device that relies on voice and sound rather than a distracting display.
- Design Philosophy: Sam Altman has described it as a “minimalist” and “calm” alternative to the smartphone.
- Specs: It is rumored to use a 2nm Samsung Exynos chip for on-device processing, paired with cloud-based AI for heavy lifting.
The Strategic Pivot: Why Now?
OpenAI’s decision to offer free trials and move into hardware isn’t accidental. The company is facing increasing pressure from Google Gemini and Claude. By offering a Plus trial, OpenAI aims to:
- Counteract Ad Fatigue: As OpenAI begins testing ads on the Free and Go tiers in early 2026, the Plus tier becomes more attractive as a premium, ad-free “sanctuary.”
- Hardware Ecosystem: By building a physical device, OpenAI can bypass the “app store” limitations of Apple and Google, creating a direct line to the consumer through ambient, voice-first AI.
Final Thoughts
The ChatGPT Plus free trial is a low-risk opportunity for users to experience the cutting edge of GPT-5.2 and Sora video generation. However, keep a close eye on your billing settings to avoid unexpected charges. As we look toward the end of 2026, the potential launch of the “Sweetpea” hardware might finally answer the question of whether AI can truly replace the smartphone.